Ashley was still clinging to my arm when she suddenly gasped, like she had just remembered something important.
"Oh right!" she said with a bright smile. "I almost forgot. Fabes went to the same university as you. Same journalism department. He was your senior."
Her voice was soft, almost playful.
My chest tightened, but I kept my face calm. "Yeah. I know him. We just haven't seen each other in a long time."
The bitterness rising inside me felt sharp, but I forced it down. I would not show weakness here. Not in this house. Not in front of him.
Fabian's eyes darkened when he saw how indifferent I looked.
"Ashley," he said smoothly, "can I speak to your sister for a moment?"
Ashley paused. For a second, something calculating flashed in her gaze. Then she smiled sweetly again. "Of course. I'll check on the kitchen."
The moment she walked away, the air shifted.
It grew heavier. Tighter.
